{things i shopped} sunbathing essentials

Three cheers for summer and all its fun accessories! My favorite beach/pool bag as of late has been my Neverfull. The reason's right there in the title–so much can fit inside–but it also matches everything and folds down flat when I need it too. While I will swap out it out for something less precious if I know things will be getting super sandy/sweaty/splashy, what stays constant are the things I am sure to take with me. Read below for why what you see above is always in my bag when I plan on spending a day relaxing in the sun.

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1. Aviator Classic, Ray-Ban ($155) – These are my go-to sunglasses during the summer–I love the gold color against tan skin and their casual look. I like to leave all my pricer plastic frames at home and away from scratchy sand.

2. Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 100, Neutrogena ($10) – This has been my favorite sun-block for a long time. It smells great but more importantly goes on evenly and without any residue.

3. Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15, Fresh ($22.50) – This is my favorite summer lip balm–it smells great, moisturizes, and exfoliates while also giving me some peace of mind with SPF protection. Plus, the sleek packaging is gorgeous and easy-to-spot.

4. Slim Rubber Flip Flops, Havaianas ($26) – I've have these shoes in black and beige and love them both. They're comfortable (whoever invented the foot-bed deserves an award), easy to walk in, and can get wet or grimy without staining.

5. Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula, Clinique ($16.50) – I'm guilty of wearing makeup to pools and beaches–it never interferes with my enjoyment of the day and I'm always happier with any photos taken of me. Still, I go a little lighter with most products and swap out some that I know will last longer. This mascara can get tiresome with everyday wear but is–it's a "tubing" mascara that stays put with exposure to water and never runs into my eyes but rubs off effortlessly without makeup remover.

6. iPad Air 16GB in Silver/White, Apple ($499) – I never thought I could really, really love a piece of technology but I'd be lost without my iPad and its music, books, and browser. I have no trouble using it in the sun and if I'm somewhere with WiFi I feel like I have the world at my finger-tips in something that's incredibly light to carry and hold.

7. Ultrabraid XL Brim Hat, San Diego Hat Company ($38) – My boyfriend bought this hat for me on a whim during one vacation and it was a really smart move. The weave is flexible and not brittle meaning it can be flattened to pack without it ever losing shape. It keeps sun out and has the exact dramatic look I love without being too over-the-top.